Separate schools for art and music are contained within the glass and timber walls of this academy in Latvia by Riga architects Made (+ slideshow).

Previously housed in independent buildings, Made created a single home for the music and art institutions that pupils in the west Latvian town of Saldus attend on top of their standard educational programme.

The facade is constructed from large timber panels fronted by glass profiles, which help to heat the air trapped in between and insulate the structure.

"Building structure and materials work as passive environmental control and at the same time exhibit [the building's] functionality," said the architects.

Chunks missing from the two-storey volume create sheltered patios on the ground floor and balconies on the first floor.

Bright colours distinguish the areas used by each faculty. Green denotes spaces for the music school and the blue zone is occupied by art students.

Staircases, walls and doors are coloured in these bright shades, which contrast with the exposed concrete walls and flooring.

Practice halls and libraries are located at the building's centre, along with a double-height auditorium surrounded by rippled panels to improve acoustics.

Classrooms and studio spaces are situated around the perimeter so they benefit from the light coming through full-height windows.

The external walls are lined with lime plaster, absorbing humid air that could damage the musical instruments.